The role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking behaviour amongst 1.5 generation migrants in Australia: A quantitative pilot study

Abstract

Background: 1.5 generation migrants in Australia (those who migrate as children) often enter a new cultural and religious environment, with its own set of constructs of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), at a crucial time in their psychosexual development—puberty/adolescence. 1.5 generation migrants may thus have to contend with constructions of SRH from at least two cultures which may be at conflict on the matter. This study was designed to investigate the role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking behaviour amongst 1.5 generation migrants.Methods: 111 participants completed an online survey which included questions about their cultural connectedness, religion, sexual and reproductive health and help-seeking behaviour. Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyse the data. Results: There was no significant difference between ethnocultural groups or levels of cultural connectedness in relation to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking behaviours. The results do suggest differences between religious groups in regards to seeking help specifically from young peoples’ parents. Notably, youth who reported having ‘no religion’ were more likely to seek help with sexual and reproductive health matters from their parent(s). Conclusions: Managing cross-cultural experiences are often noted in extant literature as a barrier to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking. However, while cultural norms of migrants’ country of origin can remain strong it is religion that seems to have more of an impact on how 1.5 generation migrants seek help for SRH issues. This suggests that while 1.5 generation migrants may need to adapt to a new ethnocultural environment little about their religious beliefs or practices may require adaptation in Australia. Given that religion can play a role in young peoples’ sexual and reproductive health religious organisations are well placed to encourage young people’s help-seeking behaviours.